Member

That to me could not be clearer. Could the Minister comment on that? We are not legally bound, ever, because of the protocol that the UK signed. It was far-sighted, if I may say so. I have been privileged to serve two terms at the Foreign Office and I have the greatest admiration for the contribution of the mandarins who spoke at Second Reading. I do not agree with the noble Lord, Lord Blencathra—he is not here at the moment—who was critical of their attitude and the advice they gave.